A native shrub with aromatic leaves and bark. Spring yellow flowers. Critical host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 2–4 m
LifespanPerennial; long-lived
OrderLaurales
FamilyLauraceae

§ Encyclopedia

Lindera is a genus of about 80–100 species of flowering plants in the family Lauraceae, mostly native to eastern Asia but with three species in eastern North America. The species are shrubs and small trees; common names include spicewood, spicebush, and Benjamin bush.

Source: Wikipedia — Lindera Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Multi-stemmed shrub with aromatic leaves and twigs; small yellow flowers in early spring; red drupes in fall.

Similar species. Other Lindera species (different ranges). Native viburnums.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Native shrub of eastern moist woodlands. Sole host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Wet forests, riparian areas

§ Threats

Forest loss, deer overbrowsing.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the spicebush is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native spicebush. Support eastern forest conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center